On Song

On Song

We are looking for the next generation of great singer-songwriters to apply for On Song –a songwriting program for young Queenslanders.

Six aspiring musicians (soloists or duos) aged 12-18 will be given the chance to develop their songwriting skills in a one-of-a-kind mentorship with award-winning Australian musician Jack Carty. In addition, winners will receive a RØDE AI-1 Complete Studio Kit to help them hone their craft, as well as the incredible opportunity to perform at a popular Brisbane music venue.

Currently touring internationally, Jack has recorded six full-length studio albums and performed with stellar acts including Bernard Fanning, Josh Pyke, Lisa Mitchell and Matt Corby.

Submit a recording of you performing an original song to earn your spot in this unique program and kickstart your career as a singer-songwriter.

Entries will be judged by Jack Carty, as well as critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and QMF Artistic Director, Katie Noonan. On Song was conceived by Katie, who is passionate about creating opportunities that allow Queensland’s next generation of artists to thrive.

Songwriting is all about telling stories. Do you have a story to share? Is there a song in your heart? Apply for On Song today!

HOW TO ENTER

Submit a video or recording of yourself performing one of your original songs and fill out the online application form.

JUDGING

Six finalists will be selected by QMF Artistic Director Katie Noonan & award-winning singer-songwriter Jack Carty to participate in a unique workshop and performance program.

WHAT YOU WIN

One of six mentorships with Australian musician Jack Carty, including two Skype workshops and two one-on-one workshop sessions in Brisbane in July 2019*.

Following the workshops, winners are provided the huge opportunity to perform with Jack Carty in Brisbane*. Each finalist will present a small set of their own material, alongside Jack Carty who will perform a set of his own songs.

*Queensland Music Festival will pay flight and accommodation costs for regional performers and one guardian each to travel to and from Brisbane in July for the workshop program and performance. Brisbane workshops and performance are to take place in the week commencing 8 July 2019 with the performance to take place on 14 July 2019.

ABOUT JACK CARTY

Critically acclaimed Australian songwriter Jack Carty writes with an honesty, patience and love of the craft learned through the sheltered valleys and close-knit communities of a rural childhood spent in sleepy Bellingen, NSW. It’s a rare thing that has allowed the poetic London-based traveler to take his quiet truths and breathtaking live show to audiences across The UK, Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia since he first started recording and releasing original music in 2010.

The nine years since have been fruitful, and Carty has released five full-length studio albums and two EP’s amongst the constant touring, songs on soundtracks, collaborations, festivals and co-writes. Along the way he’s shared the stage with the likes of: Katie Noonan, Josh Pyke, Bernard Fanning, Matt Corby, Lisa Mitchell, Ingrid Michaelson, Dan Wilson, Brett Dennen, Justin Townes Earle and Joshua Radin; and was a recipient of the bi-annual APRA Professional Development Awards in 2015.

Jack’s most recent album ‘Hospital Hill’ (2018) sees him in close collaboration with ex Papa Vs Pretty Bassist Gus Gardiner. It places Carty and his acoustic guitar in a stripped-back setting, accompanied only by a string quartet (which included players from The Australian Chamber Orchestra) and Gardiner’s lush arrangements. 2016’s self-released ‘Home State’ was recorded almost entirely in the living-room of Jack’s one-time Red Hill apartment and debuted at #36 on the ARIA Albums Chart and #1 on the AIR %100 Independent Album Chart.

Jack relocated to London in 2017 and has spent his time since touring extensively, writing and collaborating. He is currently working on a new album, due for release in 2019.

THE SUNDAY STAR TIMES ”The recently married Carty might well have found his happy place” ★★★★

THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN ”A sensational album” ★★★★

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD ”An album of confession and honesty, but also humour and the sublime” ★★★★

GUIDELINES

You must submit your entry by 5pm Friday 24 May 2019.

You may submit on your own or with a co-writer.

You must write and perform your own original song for submission.

Video Submissions and your song lyrics or sheet music must be uploaded to Dropbox and the file sharing link attached to your Application Form.